Caterpillar ID

[kevling]

Hi Everyone,

Found this caterpillar on Holly and have been unable to confirm its identity. Would be grateful for any help.

Kind Regards
Kev

[Trev Sawyer]

Is it Holly or is it a Thistle?... and if it IS holly, are there stinging nettles under it somewhere

[Pauline]

It looks a bit like a Painted Lady to me (based on one that I reared) but not sure what that would be doing on Holly. I'm sure someone on here will be able to help.

[Vince Massimo]

I'm pretty sure that's a Painted Lady larva and the plant looks more like thistle than holly to me, so would serve to support the ID. The nearest similar-looking species of larvae are Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell, but they differ from this individual which has a much hairier head than the other two. This feature is typical of a Painted Lady larva.

Vince

[kevling]

Sorry for mistake with plant. Of course it’s thistle. Painted Lsay it is . Thanks everyone

Regards Kev